Anatomy

Definition

Anatomy is the branch of morphology given to the study of the structure of members of the biological kingdom Animalia (animals). The anatomy of lower animals is often referred to as zootomy as opposed to the study of human anatomy. The term anatomy is also sometimes used to refer to the study of the structure of members of the biological kingdom Plantae (plants), which is also, but rarely, referred to as phytotomy.

Etymology

The word anatomy has been traced back to the Indo-European root tem- meaning "cut". In ancient Greek the word ἀνατομέ (anatome) meaning "dissection" arose from a sythesis of ἀνα (ana) meaning "up" or "back", and τέμνειν (temnein) to cut. The word passed through Latin as anatomia, Old French as anatomie, and on into Middle English still as anatomie.

Branches of Anatomy

The anatomy of members of the kingdom Plantae (plants)comparative anatomy, histology and gross human anatomy